Report: Two key Bears assistant coaches leaving

Jordan Howard and Leonard Floyd were two of the biggest breakout stars on the Chicago Bears this year. Both of their developments surpassed expectations, and now both players look like they can become future Pro Bowlers. However, both of those guys will be losing the coaches crucial to their development.

Both running backs coach Stan Drayton and outside linebackers coach Clint Hurtt will not be returning to the Bears’ staff next year. Drayton will be departing to coach running backs for the University of Texas. Hurtt is staying on the pro ranks, as he is heading to New York to be the outside linebackers coach for the Jets.

Ryan Pace and John Fox did a great job assembling a staff when their regime started in 2015. The downside to having a great staff, however, is that those coaches/executives leave for higher-up positions. They felt that pain last year when then-offensive coordinator Adam Gase became the head coach of the Dolphins. Their director of college scouting, Joe Douglas, also left to become the VP of player personnel for the Eagles. Now, it seems like the Bears are suffering through that same process yet again.

Hurtt and Drayton were both two very good coaches, and they will definitely be missed next year. However, the Bears have enough talent at the positions they coach that they should be fine enough without them.